GIVING BACK: BMR Student to Walk for Children’s Hospital Fundraiser
O’Connell Sets Goal of $500

BLACKSTONE…Last summer while his classmates were either enjoying summer vacation or working at part-time jobs, Justin O’Connell of Millville was undergoing major back surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston and then recuperating from the 9 1/2 hour ordeal. It took the 16 year old freshman two months to recover from the correction of spinal function surgery that was causing the slight of stature youth with the giant-sized personality to walk nearly doubled over and in constant pain.

Now fully recovered, O’Connell learned of the Children’s Hospital Boston fundraising walkathon called “Miles for Miracles” during a post-operative visit at the hospital in November and decided that he wanted to participate. So on Sunday, June 10, he will leave his home in Millville and join other supporters of the hospital to give thanks for the quality of care that he received. The event he is participating in is a 2 mile walk beginning at 11 a.m. along the Charles River. It will begin and end at the world famous Hatch Shell, home to Boston’s equally famous Fourth of July celebration. The walk’s goal is $1 million dollars, making some think that O’Connell’s modest $500 is negligible, but not once they meet the young man determined to make a difference.

“Justin is a special part of our student body” said Richard A. Porter, principal BMR high school. “In February he was selected as student of the month and that speaks volumes of how he improves the atmosphere we all enjoy at BMR. He does this by his smile, his friendliness and great outlook on life. He is always positive and polite” said Porter. “All anyone has to do in order to see Justin smile is mention the Red Sox. That keeps this young man beaming” Porter added. “Now he is making us smile with his giving back to the people who helped him medically. He is just very special” said Porter.

Shrugging aside any praise, O’Connell explained his decision as “this is my way to say ‘thank you’ for making me feel special and to feel at home. All the children there are sick, but the doctors, nurses and just everyone makes you want to get through it” O’Connell said.

O’Connell who is a member of the BMR Student Council and Drama Club is the son of William O’Connell of North Attleboro and Diane Godin and the stepson of Paul Godin of Millville. He is registered with Children’s Hospital Boston and even has his own webpage that can be accessed by going to www.giving.childrenshospital.org and then typing O’Connell’s name where indicated. Once on the page, individuals and businesses can contribute on Justin’s behalf.

“GIVING BACK. Principal Richard A. Porter reviews receipts raised by BMR freshman Justin O’Connell for Children’s Hospital Boston. Last summer, O’Connell underwent major back surgery. Now recovered, O’Connell is participating in the hospital’s 2 mile fundraising “Miles for Miracles” as his way of “giving back” for the high quality of care he received.” (BMRHS Photograph/R.M.Lafayette)